Mike, thanks for the info re Oyaide. I have wondered how much better they might be, considering how enthusiastic some folks have been about FIM and Furutech outlets - not to mention the Oyaides. Still another facet of the chain to consider - and I thought the PS Audio outlets were a step up...will this never end?

islandear April 02, 2007 14:55

Chico, Mike's response is, essentially, true. But, as we all know, theory and practicability don't always jive, so the only real solution is to experiment with as many devices as you can afford to assemble. However, having said that, keeping the chain as simple as possible generally provides the greatest efficacy. I've been back east for a week and yesterday I had the opportunity to hear Pete Bizlewicz' latest iteration of his Roller Blocks. This prototype, all of which has been awarded a patent - including the metal amalgamation - is more than a step up from his previous RBs. While this iteration is still a ball in cup design, it employs a puck design with very strong neodymium magnets that not only center the ball (a series 2 ball - very dense, verrry expensive) but aids in the drain of energy from the mounted component.

We replaced Roller Blocks with the new prototype under Peter's Wavac 833s, as well as his Defy 7, and the response was truly ear opening. No hype here. We had a NY dealer as well as the sales manager for a well-known international wire mfr in the room and everyone was able to identify the same effects: Wider dispersion, greater articulation, sweeter midrange and exceptional LF/HF reproduction. These babies won't be inexpensive - probably about...well, I won't go there, let's just say they're cheaper than Halcyonics...LOL

islandear April 01, 2007 12:57

Michael, yes, I'm still very interested in coming to visit. Right now I'm in NYC and will only be home for a day or two before heading back out, but I'll definitely contact you after April. In the meantime I'm looking forward to your inclusion of the VR-11s into your system!

Just continues to impress me (and, yeah, that green tinge around my edges is envy...LOL)

Blaine

islandear April 01, 2007 12:37

I would agree that the Halcyonics platforms - per their documentation - as active devices made for scientific instruments sensitive to low frequency vibration, are expressly designed to compensate for low frequency vibration, and I would consider it doubtful that higher frequency damping is included in the engineering specification for these devices. If that is the case, I expect components would benefit from additional HF vibration damping as you suggest as, for example, Michael Fremer discovered was true with a Symposium platform on top of the low-frequency isolating Vibraplane. The optimum combination here would also most likely be to combine a true damping platform which can damp both the top plate of the Halcyonics devices as well as the component itself, and what comes to my mind as an excellent choice here would be a Symposium Ultra Platform or even a Svelte Shelf, since they are rigid (essentially "DC" coupled) and because of a symmetrical energy absorbing design, are able to damp both the support surface and the component at the same time (thereby effectively isolating the two without creating or incurring resonances).

islandear March 31, 2007 01:14

In response to Loxodrome: my lifelong friend (50 years) is an architect - one of Frank Geary's boys out of USC - whose personal audio system is fairly simple: a Dual tt, Plinius integrated and 30 year old AR speakers. He keeps this system in his office space and there is only one seat in the room. He doesn't invite people into that space. It's where he looks for inspiration, or escape. He does love sharing music, however, always finding time to sit down at his well-worn baby grand to play show tunes or Beatles songs for anyone willing to listen. (If I hear Obla-di-obla-da one more time...)

There is no 'right' way to build a system, nor is there any 'right' way to enjoy it. Moreover, I find that many of my guests don't particularly care for the music that I love; so having the opportunity to sit alone and lose myself in Rahsaan Roland Kirk or Katie Webster or Irakere is the ticket.

I do, however, have a sofa, so anyone who loves music and has an open mind are welcome to join me.

Mike has more than one chair in his space so obviously he enjoys sharing his music with other very lucky folks.

islandear February 03, 2007 19:31

Mike, elk and bears are good, moose are even better! Let me know when Rocky and Bullwinkle show up.

You know, I've been following the development of your room/system for some time, and while you've written enthusiastic reports of the changes that have been made I don't believe you've ever sounded so happy or satisfied. I have never heard the Edge battery-powered pre, have you? Just wondering if AC is a beast to be removed rather than tamed.

islandear November 01, 2005 18:29

Mike, this is exactly why I'm hesitant to hear your system. Talk about seductive...[insert grin here]

islandear October 31, 2005 00:05

Nrchy, it's amazing what a bit of space can do for one's perspective. After 10 years on island I realize that the entire world is mad...whoa, now I'm starting to sound like the Peter Finch character in 'Network'.

Arkprof, I empathize with you. Nearly twenty years ago I put in a stint as an administrator in the largest public university system in the US. Talk about layers of bureaucracy! At the end of the day (long days as I recall) I inevitably needed my music and some other salve to purge all the toxins. Despite moving 1500 miles north and relocating in a garden spot I still need my music and accompanying salve...I just enjoy them more!

islandear October 28, 2005 16:39

Arkprof comments are interesting. I assume we all aspire to find our spot in the world - what Castaneda called 'enabling' places - and that once we find these spots we are loathe to leave them. Mike clearly illustrates his need to retire from the daily grind and I am in sync with him. I'm a city boy from LA/SoCal and I have always aspired to escape the noise and claustrophobic rush of the megalopolis. My work takes me, on a very regular basis, to LA, SF, NYC and other large burgs; and while I enjoy these places for their culture, entertainment and restaurants I am always happy to get on a plane to return to my island in the NW. I can sit in my listening room, watch the shipping traffic on the Eastern Passage, and not be disturbed by anything louder than birds or an occasional chainsaw. I'm pleased that so many people prefer the city, it means less are trying to find a way to live where I do. And, for the record, I expect it's rather easy to lose oneself in a room like Mike's.

islandear October 26, 2005 20:26

Mike, the best laid plans of mice and men... Sorry we missed each other at RMAF, I will endeavor to trek up to your place as soon as my travel schedule permits (and, assuming your invite still stands).

Yes, that is a very impressive system and I'm sure it sounds MUCH better in a dedicated, treated room. While the Marriott is better than the AP in LV there were really only a few rooms that lent themselves to the sophisticated gear on hand. Mike Verretto hung what looked like quilts on the side walls of his room and the damping did help.

Also enjoyed meeting Jonathan face to face...fun guy. Anyway, still look forward to hearing your rig/room.

islandear October 05, 2005 18:02

Thanks for the invitation, Mike. I'm currently in LA. But I will definitely try to connect in Denver.

islandear September 25, 2005 04:05

Mike, frankly, you guys are starting to scare the crap out of me. I've watched the last couple of changes in your room - hold it, I'm drooling again - and every time I think that you're gonna hit the wall you find another key to sonic bliss. I'm not sure I want to hear your system cuz I think it will ruin me. But, being a manly man, I will take my chances and check out the set up in Denver. I just hope I don't find it as compelling as you have...hah.

islandear September 23, 2005 03:57

Mike, I've enjoyed seeing the evolution of your room and reading the attendant commentary. Your room is wonderfully fantastic and I would love to have the opportunity to sit and listen to your system someday. I have had the pleasure to sit in and listen to another reviewer's room here in the Puget Sound area (who shall remain anonymous) and really appreciated the work he had put into room construction/attenuation. Both of you have provided a lot of useful information that will be implemented - finances allowing - into my music room/office. I appreciate that you have shared this experience with us.

islandear January 31, 2005 18:32